Every city owns a distinctive character presented in various aspects of life. As a trading city, the cultural exchange in Surabaya and Madura holds a major role in shaping the strong personality of the people. It is reflected in the bold and rich flavor of the local cuisine, among others are rawon, rujak cingur, and kacang kuah.

A small part of Surabaya’s flavor has been acknowledged by the public, even portrayed in the movie Aruna dan Lidahnya. However, Surabaya and Madura offer more beyond just taste.

Enrich your experience in Surabaya and Madura by following our complete recommendations, from legendary culinary places, museum, cultural heritage, and city amusement parks.

The Dutch colonial era, the Japanese occupancy, and cultural assimilation with other islands are some of the keys behind the rich flavor of Surabaya’s culinary scene. Blending the palate of spicy, savoury, sour, and sweet in various dishes, your taste bud will embark on an appetizing journey by visiting these legendary restaurants.

Location: Jl. Walikota Mustajab No.74, Ketabang, Genteng (across the City Hall Park)
Opening hours: 06.00 – 21.00 WIB
Tips: a special menu of East Java-style yellow rice is available on weekends.

Location: Jalan Arief Rachman Hakim, Keputih, Sukolilo (near Merr Bridge)
Opening hours: 06.00 – 23.00 WIB
Tips: several side dishes are available. Ask the waitress for the availability when taking order.

Location: Jl. Achmad Jaiz No. 40, Peneleh, Genteng (near Peneleh Tomb compound)
Opening hours: 12.00 – 17.00 WIB
Tips: be patient with your order when the restaurant is crowded, because the cooking and service is done only by one person.

Location: Jl. Walikota Mustajab No. 36, Ketabang, Genteng (around Taman Prestasi)
Opening hours: 07.00 – 23.00 WIB
Tips: there are other satay options aside beef and chicken, such as intestine, marrow, and muscle. Ask the waitress for the availability.

Location: Jl. Raya Darmo Harapan, Tanjungsari, Suko Manunggal (near the residential area Graha Residence)
Opening hours: 07.00 – 13.00 WIB
Tips: there are several sellers of kacang kuah in the area. Kacang Kuah Cak Yudi is the one with red uniform.

Find out the reasons behind Surabaya’s title as City of Heroes through our recommended activities. You will find yourself reinterpret the meaning of 'struggle' and also see Surabaya more than a trading city.

Reason to visit: interesting educational media for learning history is here, from independence battle diorama to the authentic recording of Bung Tomo speech. You will become more aware why Surabaya is dubbed as City of Heroes.
Location: Jl. Pahlawan, Alun-alun Contong, Bubutan (in front of the Governor's office)
Opening hours: 08.00 – 16.00 WIB
Tips: private guide is provided for free. Contact the museum office prior to the day of arrival.

Reason to visit: as a cultural heritage building, the architecture of the temple built in 1883 is influenced by three cultures, which are Dutch, Chinese, and Javanese.
Location: Jl. Kapasan No. 131, Kapasan Dalam, Simokerto (near Kembang Jepun, center of Surabaya chinatown)
Opening hours: 08.00 – 21.00 WIB
Tips: every Sunday morning to afternoon, the temple is closed for public due to weekly congregation service.

Reason to visit: Ride the ferris wheel, carousel, and roller coaster when you want to have a relaxing time while enjoying the city at night.
Location: Jl. Ahmad Yani No. 333, Dukuh Menanggal, Gayungan (beside Juanda-Waru Toll Road)
Opening hours: 16.30 – 23.00 WIB (Monday – Thursday), 16.00 – 23.00 WIB (Friday – Sunday)
Tips: there is a light parade from 20.30 – 21.30 on weekends.

Reason to visit: make time to visit this shop, selling the most complete souvenir options.
Location: Jl. Genteng Besar No. 84, Genteng (located around Genteng Market)
Opening hours: 07.00 – 21.00 WIB
Tips: don’t have much time or want to avoid long queue? Visit the store branches around the area.

Since the opening of Suramadu Bridge, Madura is continuously progressing. While in Surabaya, spare one day getting to know this salt-producing island. Below are our recommendations to spend a day in Bangkalan.

Location: Jl. Raya Ketengan No. 45, Tunjung, Burneh (around 20 minutes Suramadu Bridge)
Opening hours: 07.00 – 18.00 WIB
Tips: the order system here is self-service. Be prepare with a long queue during lunch time.

Reason to visit: upon visit, you will be served with Bangkalan signature herb drink: Poka' and ginger coffee. Find various kinds of Madura batik patterns here, including Gentong batik which takes months to produce.
Location: Jl. Kyai Haji Mohammad Kholil, XII 29, Demangan (pay attention to an entrance gate in front of residential compound)
Opening hours: 08.00 – 17.00 WIB
Tips: come on weekends to enjoy Madura porridge, take batik classes, and harvesting fruit. All activities are free of charge.

Reason to visit:take joy in a different nightfall atmosphere accompanied by the Navy-owned tower built in 1879.
Location:Jl. Sembilangan, Socah, Slempit, Pernajuh (around 6 km from central Bangkalan)
Opening hours: 08.00 – 18.00 WIB
Tips: visit prior to sunset for a more beautiful scenery.

Connected to Surabaya Town Square, it is a convenient place to stay.

An affordable hotel in a strategic location with various menu of Indonesian cuisine.

The night view of Surabaya is clearly visible from the windows of the large room, for an unforgettable resting time.

Almost every airport in Indonesia serve a direct route to Juanda Airport. You can book airport transfer before arriving to ease your way from the airport to the destination of your choice.

From Surabaya you can rent a car and drive across the Suramadu Bridge to Madura. The cost of car rental is ranged from Rp240.000 to Rp900.000 per day, with choices of mini MPV to Mini Bus.